Shoppers looking for organic products
You want to be able to identify organic production and understand the difference between a certification mark and words such as ‘natural’. The European Commission explains when the EU organic logo can be used.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Shoppers who regularly have a morning snack
You’re looking for something to enjoy as part of your regular routine, and may be considering whether unsalted nuts suit you better than a snack with a seasoned coating.
Fans of the crunchy coating
You’re specifically looking for savoury coated peanuts and want to be able to check the ingredients and allergen information for the flavour you choose.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide whether organic certification is essential for you. Then consider whether ingredients, the crunchy coating, allergens or convenient portioning matter most.
Organic with a crunchy coating
Choose this option: if both organic production and the texture of coated peanuts matter to you.
Check: look for the organic certification and assess sugar, salt and allergens separately.
Regular coated peanuts
Choose this option: if you’re mainly after a savoury flavour and a crunchy coating.
Check: a flavour or ingredient claim such as ‘no artificial colours’ does not, on its own, prove that a product is organically certified.
Organic nuts without a coating
Choose this option: if organic origin and unsalted nuts matter more to you than the texture of coated peanuts.
Check: a nut mix has a different blend, flavour and texture from coated peanuts.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Organic certification | Check for the EU organic logo, the control code and the stated agricultural origin. | If I buy organic, I want to be able to check that the product is certified. Around 29% of consumers are said to consider certification their top buying criterion. |
| Ingredients | Compare the ingredients and check added salt and sugar separately. | For a regular morning snack, I want to know what’s in the mix and whether it’s unsalted. Around 23% of consumers are said to prioritise ingredients. |
| Crunchy coating | Check whether the product is made with coated peanuts and which flavour you’re choosing. | If I’m specifically after the savoury flavour and texture of coated peanuts, a regular nut mix won’t be quite the same. Around 18% of consumers are said to consider the crunchy coating their top buying priority. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients list and warnings on the packaging of the exact variety. | If I have known allergen restrictions, I want to check the ingredients and warnings for my chosen flavour before buying. Around 18% of consumers are said to prioritise allergen suitability. |
| Portion size and storage | Check the pack size and follow the storage advice on the packaging once opened. | For my morning routine, I want to be able to portion out my snack and store the opened pack properly. Around 12% of consumers are said to consider convenience their top buying priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘natural’ or ‘no artificial colours’ means organic
That wording does not prove that a product is organically certified.
Assess organic product information separately from flavour and ingredient claims.
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Assuming an organic nut mix is the same as coated peanuts
Nuts without a coating have a different texture and won’t satisfy the same preference for a crunchy coating.
First decide whether you’re mainly looking for organic nuts or specifically want coated peanuts.
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Checking only for peanuts when considering allergens
The Duyvis Cocktail variety reviewed also lists wheat and milk ingredients.
Check the full ingredients list and allergen warnings for the exact flavour you’ve chosen.
Brands and product ranges compared
Duyvis
The Cocktail range consists of coated peanuts for anyone specifically looking for coated peanuts with a crunchy finish.
- Duyvis describes the crunchy coating and publishes ingredient information for Cocktail.
- ‘No artificial colours’ is not proof of organic certification. The Cocktail variety reviewed contains wheat and milk ingredients, among other things.
Albert Heijn
AH Biologisch Notenmix ongebrand is an organic nut mix without a coated-peanut-style crunchy finish.
- For the mix reviewed, Albert Heijn displays the EU organic logo and control code NL-BIO-01. The mix contains Brazil nuts, cashews, almonds and walnuts.
- It’s a different type of product, with a different texture from coated peanuts.
Jumbo
Jumbo stocks its own-brand coated peanuts in a range of flavours and pack sizes, alongside other brands.
- The category page makes it easier to compare flavours and pack sizes.
- Being sold in the coated-peanut aisle does not, by itself, prove that a product is organic.
Lidl
Alesto includes both nuts and Cruspies with a seasoned coating.
- The range distinguishes between nuts and coated peanuts.
- Words such as ‘natural’ are no substitute for information about organic certification.
Aldi
The Trader Joe’s coated peanuts reviewed are listed in Poesta, paprika and bacon cheese flavours.
- The product page lists a 300 g pack and the available flavours.
- This product information does not prove organic certification.
PLUS
The range distinguishes between own-brand coated peanuts, including Mild and Oriental Style, and unsalted nuts.
- The product category makes it easier to identify different types of nut products.
- ‘Unsalted’ and ‘Fairtrade’ do not mean the same as organically certified.
Joybuy products
The Joybuy products below are coated peanuts for anyone mainly looking for a savoury flavour and crunchy texture. If organic certification is essential, check it separately for the specific product.
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Duyvis Borrelnootjes Poeta, 275 g
A good choice if you’re looking for coated peanuts with a savoury flavour and crunchy texture.
Contains peanuts, milk, wheat and celery; may contain traces of soya, mustard and other nuts.
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Duyvis Oriental Borrelnootjes, 275 g
A good choice if you’re looking for curry-flavoured coated peanuts.
Contains peanuts, wheat, barley and soya; may contain milk, nuts and mustard.
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Duyvis Bran Nuts Provencale, 125 g
A good choice if you’re looking for coated peanuts with onion and garlic flavour.
Contains peanuts and wheat; may contain milk, nuts, soya and mustard.
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Duyvis Coated Peanuts Provençal, 275 g
A good choice if you’re looking for coated peanuts with Provençal onion and garlic flavour.
Contains peanuts and wheat; may contain milk, nuts, soya and mustard.
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Duyvis Tigernut BBQ Paprika, 275 g
A good choice if you’re looking for coated peanuts with a double BBQ paprika coating.
Contains peanuts and wheat; may contain milk, nuts, soya and mustard.
Frequently asked questions
How can I identify organic coated peanuts?
Check the organic product information, the EU organic logo, and the accompanying control code and agricultural origin. According to the European Commission, the logo is compulsory on prepacked food produced in the EU and sold as organic; its use is optional for imported organic products.
Does ‘no artificial colours’ mean that coated peanuts are organic?
No, that claim alone does not prove organic certification. Duyvis uses the claim for Cocktail; check the organic product information separately.
Is an organic nut mix the same as coated peanuts?
No, an organic nut mix without a coating has a different blend and texture from coated peanuts. AH Biologisch Notenmix ongebrand is an alternative if you’re looking for organic nuts and don’t need the crunchy coating.
What should I look out for when it comes to allergens?
Read the ingredients list and allergen warnings on the packaging for the exact flavour you’ve chosen. The Duyvis Cocktail variety reviewed lists peanuts, wheat and milk ingredients; other varieties may contain different ingredients and have different warnings.
How should I store an opened pack?
Follow the storage advice on the packaging and seal the snack securely. For the Duyvis pack reviewed, Jumbo recommends using a container that keeps out light and air after opening.